Annabelle and I sit in her sunny backyard, sipping fresh lemonade, reminiscing about our twelve years working at nature parks. “Aren’t we supposed to backpack through Europe after retiring, leaving our spouses behind? I’m really sorry.” She chuckles, then adds, “I’ve ordered sushi for next Wednesday’s lunch, my kids’ favourite food.” Suddenly, her words shift. “A nurse will arrive at 3:30 p.m. Three injections. Fifteen minutes. No pain.” Her every word pierces my heart. Sobbing, I embrace her young, frail body. Her gentle hands stroke my hair. Seven days, three hours, and five minutes. Time is slipping away.
A retired administrator from Montreal, Canada, Le Nga Phan now teaches English Public Speaking, French, and math to young students in rural areas overseas.